Human rights situation in the OT – CHR – NGO statement (excerpts)

RACISM, RACIAL DISCRIMINATION, XENOPHOBIA AND

ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION

Written statement* submitted by The International Movement against All Forms of Discrimination

and Racism (IMADR), a non-governmental organization on the Roster

The Secretary-General has received the following written statement which is circulated in accordance with Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31.

[16 January 2002]

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*This written statement is issued, unedited, in the language(s) received from the submitting non-governmental organization(s).

GE.02-10684

Standing Invitations to Thematic Human Rights Mechanisms

World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance

The International Movement against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR) recognises that the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance (WCAR) was a ground-breaking one, addressing important issues, including: Roma and Sinti; Palestine; the intersection of gender and racism; colonialism; slavery and slave-trade, and indigenous peoples, paying particular attention to the historical context of these complex issues. It was also notable in that both individuals and states participated in the deliberations of the inter-governmental Conference. Emphasising that issues raised at WCAR must continue to be discussed, IMADR commends WCAR for providing opportunities that can promote solutions to these matters.

We welcome WCAR’s recognition of the necessity of taking measures that carry financial implications in order to combat racism – measures such as affirmative action and human rights education. The need for careful monitoring of the follow-up processes not withstanding, we welcome WCAR’s recommendations, which can produce good results if properly implemented.

IMADR, however, wishes to draw to the attention of the Commission on Human Rights the following subjects of primary concern:

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•Middle East 

The alarming situation in Israeli-occupied Palestine requires urgent attention and discussions as an issue of racism and racial discrimination. We regret the US and Israeli governments’ withdrawal from the WCAR over this issue as well as the reportedly intolerant and uncivil actions of certain NGOs. While being critical of violent or intolerant acts intended to stifle the expression of opposing positions, we note that the tensions accompanying debates on the subject indicate the graveness of the situation and the feeling of hopelessness on thepart ofthese victims of racial discrimination. The international community must condemn grave human rights violations and systematic discrimination on the basis of race, national and ethnic origin, descent, or other status wherever they occur. We urge close monitoring of the situation in the Middle East from the perspective of human rights and non-discrimination.

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